A lack of affordable housing has been a problem in Rhode Island for some time, but the root causes behind it were both magnified and worsened by the pandemic.
New data from HousingWorks RI shows rentals are not just hard to come by, but they’re also too costly for many people. In fact, only one town last year had housing that was affordable to someone making the median income for renters.
In this 12 on 12 Digital Original, 12 News reporters Gina Marini and Courtney Carter explore why the housing crisis has become an epidemic, how difficult it is to find an apartment in Rhode Island, and what’s being done to address the issue.
IN THIS 12 ON 12: Housing Hurdles | The (un)affordability of renting in RI | How $1.1B in ARPA funding could help | More Information & Resources | Further Viewing
Housing Hurdles
The (un)affordability of renting in RI
Extra: How $1.1 billion in ARPA funding could be used to help
Resources & More Information
HousingWorks RI: 2020 Fact Book » | 2021 Fact Book »
National Low Income Housing Coalition: Out of Reach 2021 Report » | Rhode Island Breakdown »
RentReliefRI: Apply for Assistance » | Data Dashboard »
Further Reading & Viewing
► RI’s housing market is still booming, but how long will it last?
► ‘There’s nothing’: Mom on the brink of homelessness struggles to find affordable housing
► 12 Responds: Viewers continue to voice frustrations with rent relief program
► Housing market in RI putting a squeeze on renters
► Advocates, state leaders discuss ways to combat RI’s ongoing housing crisis
12 Responds
Send us your housing questions and concerns here »
Credits
Reporters – Courtney Carter & Gina Marini
Photographers/Editors – Jim Hughes, Nick Blair
Graphic Designer – Lisa Mandarini
Executive Producer – Shaun Towne
Special Thanks – Lee Dooley, Olivia Capraro, Jen Quinn, Susan Tracy-Durant, Karen Rezendes
